Why Join the Cybersecurity Industry?


Given that the threat landscape has increased in scope and remote workers are soft targets for hackers, organizations across the globe are looking to hire qualified information and cybersecurity specialists. The need for qualified ethical hackers, network defenders, cybersecurity analysts, system administrators, SOC analysts, information security analysts, and digital forensics analysts, among others, is only going to increase in the future.

What is the Essentials Series?



EC-Council’s Essentials Series is the certification course series covering essential skills in network defense, ethical hacking, and digital forensics. The Network Defense Essentials (N|DE), Ethical Hacking Essentials (E|HE), and Digital Forensics Essentials (D|FE) are foundational programs that help students and early career professionals choose their area of competency or select a specific interest in cybersecurity.



The Essentials Series was designed to give students the foundation on which to build and develop the essential skills for tomorrow’s careers in cybersecurity. These programs educate learners in a range of techniques across industry verticals, such as securing networks, mitigating cyber risks, conducting forensic investigations, and more.



Who Should Attend These Courses?


EC-Council’s Essentials Series programs and certifications build and validate candidates’ skills for their cybersecurity future. It is ideal for IT professionals who are seeking to foray into the exciting world of cybersecurity. Cybersecurity enthusiasts and students will readily find the program interesting, challenging, and useful.

Exam & Certification


There are no eligibility criteria for the Essentials Series. The certification is valid for three years from the date the certificate is issued. The recertification window is at the end of 3-years, and EC-Council members may recertify by passing the exam again. There are no annual fees or EC-Council Continuing Education Credits (ECE’s) required to maintain the certification credential during the three-year term.


Exam Length : 2 Hours Exam

Format : MCQ Exam

Platform : ECC Exam Centre

No. of Questions : 75

Certification : Course Specific (NDE, EHE, DFE) 

Job Roles That Benefit from These Essentials Programs 


Professionals in the following roles who are looking to enhance their knowledge or transition from an IT role into cybersecurity would benefit from the Essentials Courses. 

Your Pathway to an Entry Level Career in Cybersecurity


Courses may be taken individually or in sequence